Won well at Canterbury last start, home track and Les Bridge knows what he’s doing! Track would need to stay in the GOOD range, and he’ll be storming home.
Summer is here and the jewel in the crown of QLD racing is happening at the Gold Coast in Queensland on Saturday, January 11, 2025,
It’s shaping up to be an absolute cracker. There are 10 races lined up for the day, with a whopping $13.8 million in prize money across the board.
The highlights of the day are undoubtedly the $3 million Magic Millions 2yo Classic and the $3 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3yo Guineas
In total, 183 horses have been nominated to hit the track throughout the day, which works out to an average of about 18 runners per race, pre scratchings. With those kinds of numbers, there’s definitely big value to be found if you can grab a few winners!
Record prices seen at Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Day Three of the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale delivered fireworks as a stunning colt by Snitzel smashed the all-time sale record, fetching $2.8 million.
Presented by Widden Stud, the colt is the second foal of Group Three winner Humma Humma and was snapped up by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock after a thrilling bidding war. The price edged out the previous $2.7 million record set two years ago.
Ciaron Maher, who purchased the colt on behalf of Rebel Racing’s Phil Cunningham, couldn’t hide his excitement.
“He’s got a sharp pedigree, looks early and strong, and comes from a great family,” Maher said. Cunningham, visiting Australia for the first time, was equally thrilled. “It’s my first time here, and I’m absolutely loving it. This gives me the perfect excuse to come back next year!”
Widden Stud’s Antony Thompson celebrated the record-breaking moment, calling it “a humbling and proud achievement” for the team. “This colt was made for Magic Millions – forward, strong, and with a bombproof action,” he added.
The day’s second-highest sale saw Yulong’s Written Tycoon colt, out of dual Group One winner In Her Time, sell for $1.8 million to Coolmore’s Tom Magnier. Magnier praised the colt as a standout, noting strong interest from other top buyers.
After three days, the sale’s gross has reached $144.5 million, with an average price of $277,351 and an 80% clearance rate.
Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch highlighted the event’s success: “Breaking the $2.8 million mark and seeing international interest grow is a fantastic achievement.”
$1.8M: Written Tycoon x In Her Time colt (Yulong /Tom Magnier)
Race 4: Queensland Magic Millions Subzero 2025
Back BELVEDERE BOYS for Consistency and Versatility Belvedere Boys has hit a purple patch, thriving over longer distances and proving his staying credentials with back-to-back wins. He provided a strong showing in the Shoot Out. He handles all track conditions, making him a reliable pick regardless of weather. Blake Shinn in the saddle is a plus.
Hedge Bet: SKY LAB for a Wet Track Upset Sky Lab offers solid value at $10, especially if the track gets wet. A former winner of this race, his form in the Summer Cup suggests he’s not far off and could surprise with the right conditions.
Watch the Weather for LOCH EAGLE and TANNHAUSER If the rain comes and the track is heavy, both Loch Eagle and Tannhauser are worth a closer look. Tannhauser, especially, seems well-suited to a genuine tempo over 2200m, and while he has disappointed recently, this race setup could bring out his best.
Bonus Insight: Encoder could be the sleeper pick, benefiting from a weight drop and extra distance, but keep an eye on how the track plays and his early positioning.
Race 5: Magic Millions Fillies & Mares 2025
Back REVOLUTIONARY MISS for Class and Positioning Revolutionary Miss stands out as the highest-rated horse in the field. She ran well when resuming at Eagle Farm and will appreciate the step up to 1300m. With Mark Zahra on board and a favorable run in transit expected, she’s a strong contender to capitalize on her class.
Watch BUBBA’S BAY for Toughness and Consistency Bubba’s Bay is in red-hot form, winning four of her last five races, including a Listed event last start. Despite the wide gate and the longer 1300m trip, her ability to race on speed and never back down makes her a reliable pick, especially with Andrew Mallyon guiding her.
Value Bet: ANAHITA to Fly Late Anahita offers great value at $10. She closed impressively in her last start behind Bubba’s Bay and seems to be hitting peak form. If she can settle closer in the run this time, her turn of foot could make her a real threat in the final stages.
Bonus Insight: Miss Roumbini has strong Victorian form and carries less weight, making her a danger to the favorites. However, the switch to clockwise racing adds a slight query.
Race 6: Howden Magic Millions Snippets 2025
Back SEMANA for Class and Freshness Semana looks primed to deliver, boasting strong Group 1 form and a previous win on this day last year. She has been freshened up with a solid trial and thrives when racing fresh. With Damian Lane steering from a good gate, Semana’s class should shine through, making her the top pick.
Watch NETTUNO for a Late Surge Nettuno impressed in the Falvelon, running wide but still finishing with purpose. If he gets a cleaner run this time, his late splits suggest he has what it takes to win. At $9, he’s a solid danger with plenty of upside.
Value Bet: HEDGED to Peak Third-Up Hedged is hitting peak fitness in his third run this prep. After a tough on-speed effort in the Razor Sharp, he’s fitter and better placed to show his best here. If he can conserve energy early, his turn of foot makes him a real chance at $7.50.
Bonus Insight: Hard to Say is a consistent performer in Queensland and offers value for place betting, though his distance record tempers expectations for a win. Zarastro may bounce back with a more measured ride and should be considered for exotics.
Race 7: The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2yo Classic (RL) 2025
Back LA BELLA BOOM for Momentum and Finishing Power La Bella Boom looks sharp and comes off an impressive win in the Pearl, where she finished with ease despite having the perfect run. With Craig Williams in the saddle and continued improvement, she has the turn of foot to be the one to beat.
Watch ICARIAN DREAM for a Strong Finish Despite the Wide Gate Icarian Dream comes in fresh from her dominant win in the Bruce McLachlan, and although her wide draw is a challenge, history shows that winners can come from outside gates in this race. With a fast tempo likely, Jason Collett should have her storming home late.
Value Bet: FORGOTTEN SPIRIT for a Late Surprise Forgotten Spirit has shown plenty of promise in her two starts and was closing rapidly in the Pearl, finishing second to La Bella Boom. At $35, her home-track advantage and love for the 1200m make her an excellent outsider with a strong chance to cause an upset.
Bonus Insight: Gallo Nero will get the ideal run from a good gate and appreciate the extra distance, making him a reliable choice for a strong showing. Invincible Woman also holds strong Victorian form and could be a threat if she repeats her dominant performance at Caulfield.
Race 8: Gold Coast Magic Millions 3yo Guineas (RL) 2025
Back BAUHINIA for Class and Finishing Power Bauhinia is primed for this race, having been specifically set for the Magic Millions. Her impressive win in the Wyong Magic Millions showcased her turn of foot and ability to handle pressure. Despite a wide gate, her late speed and solid prep make her our best bet.
Watch TUILERIES for Upside and Grit Tuileries has been dynamic in her two wins this preparation, displaying sharp acceleration and adaptability. While her wide draw adds complexity, her ability to handle adversity and her upward trajectory make her a major player with a good chance of victory.
Value Bet: ARRIVING HOME for an Underdog Run Arriving Home is unbeaten in two starts and comes in with a promising profile. With Kerrin McEvoy aboard and Bjorn Baker’s knack for preparing horses for big races, this filly could surprise at attractive odds if given a positive ride.
Bonus Insight: Give Me Space’s Vo Rogue win was stunning, and while the Gold Coast presents a different challenge, he’ll be storming home late. He’s a must for exotics. Snitzanova holds solid form, especially if the rain persists, but the clockwise track remains a query.
1. Militarize (4): This Golden Rose Stakes winner has shown impressive form, particularly in his last run where he finished second in the G2 Apollo. With more fitness under his belt, he’s expected to perform well over this distance.
2. Tom Kitten (8): Despite finishing 5th in the G2 Hobartvlle last time out, Tom Kitten has the potential to make a strong finish, especially given his history of performing well third-up. Expect him to be charging home late.
3. Celestial Legend (11): With a win in the G2 Hobartvlle last start, Celestial Legend is showing promise. With untapped potential, he’s one to watch for a late swooping move.
4. Encap (10): Encap has been consistent, finishing 3rd in the G2 Hobartvlle last start. With a genuine chance off the back of that performance, he shouldn’t be overlooked.
5. Ganbare (5): While Ganbare faded to 7th in the G2 Hobartvlle, his previous form suggests he’s a solid top-three hope. Keep an eye on him, especially considering his past achievements.
6. Les Vampires (2): Les Vampires has shown promise, winning at Canterbury and finishing 3rd in the G2 Hobartvlle. With a nice draw, he’s worth considering for a strong showing.
7. Fukubana (3): Fukubana hasn’t shown the same level of form as some of the other contenders, finishing 4th in the G2 Hobartvlle last start. Place prospects may be slim for him in this race.
8. Ducasse (9): Despite a strong win at Warwick Farm, Ducasse finished 8th in the G2 Hobartvlle. With a wide draw, this race might be too testing for him.
9. Ceowulf (1): Ceowulf hasn’t shown exceptional form recently, but he shouldn’t be underestimated, especially considering his previous performances.
10. Cafe Millennium (7): While Cafe Millennium has shown some promise in recent trials and races, the competition in this field might be too tough for him to contend with.
11. Cosmic Lad (6): Like Cafe Millennium, Cosmic Lad has attracted attention in trials but hasn’t shown the same level of form in races. He might struggle against this field.
Speed map
Considering the speed map, the GaiBott pair of Ganbare and Les Vampires, along with Cosmic Lad, are expected to set the pace. It will be interesting to see how the race unfolds, with contenders like Militarize and Celestial Legend likely to make late charges.
Tips
MILITARIZE (1), the victor of the Golden Rose Stakes, showcased a strong performance in his recent outing, finishing second at this very track over 1400m in a Group 2 race held on soft terrain. Demonstrating notable capability, he stands a solid chance of being in contention. CELESTIAL LEGEND (3), a Group 2 titleholder, delivered a commanding victory last time out at Rosehill, triumphing by a substantial 2-length margin. His impressive figures indicate his suitability for this challenge. TOM KITTEN (2), winner of the Spring Champion Stakes, settled in the middle of the pack in his previous race at Rosehill, which was contested on soft ground where he was favored. With today’s extended journey, he remains a potential contender. LES VAMPIRES (6), a Group 2 placegetter, secured a podium finish in his recent outing at Rosehill and is expected to be sharper for his prior endeavors, offering an enticing each-way opportunity. ENCAP (4), boasting Group 1 credentials, is a progressive contender likely to feature prominently once more in the closing stages.
